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Public commenters press commissioners over unsigned March 11 email and cease‑and‑desist letters
Summary
Multiple public commenters said an unsigned March 11 email failed to address a Feb. 26 letter and described receiving cease‑and‑desist notices they called threatening; county attorney Blaine Bratcher said some requests were work product or not of sufficient public interest for a commission agenda item.
During public comment, Elena Gagliano told the commission that an unsigned email dated March 11 did not address several requests made in her Feb. 26 letter and that she therefore would not treat the March 11 email as a formal response. Gagliano said the earlier correspondence amounted to a personal "threat" and said she expected a formal reply.
County attorney Blaine Bratcher responded on the record, saying the commissioners' March 11 email (as circulated) represented his view that the matter was not of significant public interest and that several items requested were either attorney work product or materials the requester could obtain directly. Gagliano pressed for a formal answer; the exchange included interrupting comments from other audience members and a reminder from the chair that public comment is not a debate period.
Justine Richmond, another commenter, said she had also received a cease‑and‑desist letter that included accusations she described as untrue; Richmond called the practice unethical. Commissioners reminded commenters of time limits for public comment and said staff would note concerns for follow up where appropriate.
No formal commission action was taken during the meeting to alter or publish the March 11 correspondence; county staff and the county attorney said they would follow up as appropriate.
